This course is designed as a general survey course. Its purpose is not only to
introduce students to the many diverse cultures that helped to shape our world
today, but also to develop critical thinking skills though discussion of primary
sources and focus issues, and foster writing skills and the ability to formulate
and sustain an argument through the use of evidence, particularly from primary
sources.

We will be mainly concerned with broad patterns of human development across
cultural boundaries and emphasize the exchange of ideas, goods, and technology
since 1500. Special emphasis will be given to the emergence of a global
community with ties built by a world economy. The central theme this semester
will be trade and the global community that it created. We will examine various
themes within the creation of a global economy: roles played by the elite as
well as the merchants and commoners, influence of science and technology,
intellectual traditions, and the relationship between culture and economy.

Class time will consist of lectures, visuals such as videos and slides, and
discussions of readings of primary documents. Students should complete the
assigned readings prior to class time and are expected to actively participate
in discussions.

These goals fulfill TBR and MTSU’s General Studies Learning Outcomes:

1. Analyze significant primary text and works of art, ancient, pre-modern, and
modern, as forms of cultural and creative expression.

2. Explain the ways in which humanistic and/or artistic expression throughout
the ages expresses the culture and values of its time and place.

3. Explore global/cultural diversity.

4. Frame a comparative context through which they can critically assess the
ideas, forces, and values that have created the modern world.

5. Recognize the ways in which both change and continuity have affected human
history.

6. Practice the critical and analytical methodologies of the humanities